The Best Spots For A Picnic In NSW

Gather outdoors at these top places for a picnic around Sydney and NSW.

Make the most of the sunshine by gathering on a patch of grass with family and friends. From pretty gardens with ponds to parks with playgrounds and waterfront sites, here are some of the most perfect spots for a picnic around NSW. We’ve also included inspiration for picking up provisions.

SYDNEY

Centennial Parklands

Where: Moore Park, Sydney

Why: There is more than 189 hectares of open space to choose from at Centennial Gardens, which includes wetlands, sporting fields, formal gardens and wide avenues looped with lanes for cycling and rollerblading. Make the most of your elongated evenings in this large urban park which is a haven for residents of the Eastern Suburbs.

There are plenty of places to picnic in Centennial Parklands.

Provisions: Fine food fanatics should pop into Gourmet Life in Darling Point to pick up everything from caviar and camel milk chocolate to fresh truffles, olives, pickles and prosciutto. You can order a sweet or savoury hamper from Gourmet Life with a French or Italian accent and request a bottle of Aziza’s Rose by Harkham Wines be included. The brand new Aussie drinks brand Gin O’Clock would also be a great accompaniment to any picnic. The tasty tipple comes in three flavours: Pink Gin & Soda, Sugar Free G&T and Timeless G&T, and are available for purchase in handy, pre-mixed cans at Dan Murphys and BWS.

Gin O'Clock pink gin & soda — Gin O’Clock Pink Gin & Soda packs make a great picnic accompaniment.

Alternatively, Fromage Sydney will deliver a cheese and deli box right to the centre of your picnic rug. Paired wines are available on request.

Como Pleasure Grounds

Where: 2A Cremona Road, Como, Sydney

Why: This outdoor park was built on a rocky peninsula near to the railway line in 1886 to encourage Sydneysiders to get out and about. The park has since evolved to include a playground, picnic tables and BBQs as well as a bike track and path that loops around the leafy promontory. Como Pleasure Grounds has panoramic views over the Georges River and surrounding bushland and features tidal baths, too.

Como Pleasure Grounds has panoramic views of Shire bushland.

Provisions: Head to Rudi’s in Gymea to pick up some artisan-style gourmet sausages, to the nearby Grate Cheese Co. for a Pot Luck Cheese Box, and to Thoroughbread bakery for some fresh paninis and Pepe Saya salted butter.

Alternatively, take your picnic game up a notch and order a platter from Sydney’s game-changing fresh seafood delivery service FishMe! You can choose from a range of ready-to-eat seafood platters, sashimi platters, oysters, fish, octopus and squid – and it’s guaranteed to be fresh as they source all their seafood direct from the seafood suppliers.

FishMe Seafood Sharing Platter Sydney — FishMe Seafood Sharing Platter is a game-changing seafood delivery service in Sydney.

Bradfield Park

Where: Kirribilli, Sydney

Why: Wendy’s Secret Garden is not such a secret these days. And while the Lavender Bay park is always worth a look-in, we highly recommend nearby Bradfield Park, in Kirribilli, which is bracketed by the sandstone pillars of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The park slopes down to the Sydney foreshore and loops around to Luna Park so there’s eye candy all around.

Eat among the sandstone pillars of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Provisions: After claiming a patch of prime waterfront picnic space, call in a delivery from Steve Costi’s Seafood Online Store , which could include lobsters, prawns and oysters or ready-made meals such as seafood lasagne and fish pie. The Botanist Kirribilli is also set to reopen selling picnic packs comprising Australian native olives, crackers, apricot marmalade, poached pears, semi-dried Roma tomatoes, and a selection of chocolate strawberries and marmalade.

Davidson Park

Where: Forestville, Sydney

Why: Stake out a section of grass on the banks of the beautiful Middle Harbour Creek in Forestville. The pretty harbourside park is popular with families playing rounds of French cricket or Frisbee, and to those dedicated to exploring Sydney’s waterways by canoe or kayak as there’s a boat ramp near the picnic grounds

Provisions: Head to Chargrill Charlies to pick up provisions for an old-school feast of charcoal chicken and grab-and-go salads and onto Ganache Patisserie to procure a loaf of pain Parisien and some almond croissants. You can also order ahead from Aplenty , a Sydney-based catering company that curates Mediterranean-inspired feasts.

Aplenty curates Mediterranean-inspired feasts.

SOUTH COAST NSW

Rotary Park, Narooma

Where: Riverside Drive, Narooma, NSW South Coast

Why: You can leave your picnic hamper at home, outsource the catering and have it delivered to this pretty park, located on the banks of Wagonga Inlet in Narooma. The park is a five-minute walk to the much-Instagrammed Australia Rock, a favourite spot to watch seals basking on the rocks below and has a shaded picnic area with tables.

Australia Rock captures a spectacular ocean view.

Provisions: Book an e-bike with Southbound Escapes and zip around Narooma to pick up fish and chips from The Inlet, cocktails from the Quarterdeck (both now owned by hotelier Justin Hemmes). Southbound Escapes can also curate a posh pop-up picnic for you replete with a grazing platter from Mr Bold Catering .

Cupitt’s Estate

Where: 58 Washburton Rd, Ulladulla, NSW South Coast

Why: Unfurl your red-checked picnic blanket and lay it out on the manicured lawns around Cupitt’s Estate , a working farm that includes a brewery, fromagerie and winery on site. Enjoy your al fresco feast on the grass and then wander around the sprawling kitchen garden where the farm-to-fork philosophy will become part of your love-in at Cupitt’s.

Provisions: Visit the cellar door at Cupitt’s Estate to pick up a bottle of barbera; Cupitt’s Estate Craft Brewery for a few cans of Mollymook Pale Ale and Uludulla IPA, and the Cupitt’s Estate Fromagerie for a round of washed-rind cheese from the fromagerie.

Cupitts Estate picnic — Pick up some picnic fodder from the estate.

CENTRAL COAST NSW

Killcare and Hardys Bay, Central Coast NSW

Where: Stretch your legs along the Bouddi Coastal Walk before finding a spot to sit and settle in for sunset in a peaceful pocket at Hardys Bay. You will find a BBQ picnic area at the north end of the beach, which backs onto Bouddi National Park.

Provisions: Although it feels compulsory to want to improve your picnic game, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Keep it simple by stocking your hamper full of picnic provisions such as bread, preserves, cured meats and tarts from The Fat Goose at Killcare. You can also pick up a Spanish salami pizza from The View Pizza or Peking duck spring rolls and crispy fried eggplant to go from The Lucky Bee .

Pokolbin Hill Picnic Park

Where: Cnr Debeyers Rd and McDonalds Rd, Hunter Valley

Why: Curated picnics have taken off around the world. And it’s not all about the eating and drinking. Pokolbin Picnic Co. also find beautiful locations for lazy picnics that are predicted to become a low-fi highlight on all our social calendars. A few semillons in, while you’re surrounded by vineyards, you may well be convinced to move to the country.

Provisions: Pokolbin Picnic Co. brings a bit of life to picnic parties around Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley with beautiful blankets, pillows, baskets that will level up your picnic. The fabulous picnic hampers include platters of fruit and cheese and wine as well as local olives, salads, dried fruit and sweet treats such as brownies.

Fabulous picnic hampers from Polkobin Picnic Co.

NORTH COAST NSW

Lake Ainsworth, Lennox Head

Where: Northern end of Pacific Parade

Why: This tea-tree stained dunal lake is set on 118 hectares of coastal land minutes from national parks and rainforests near Lennox Head. The freshwater lagoon is hugely popular with locals who like to swan around on their inflatable flamingos, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks in the mineral-rich waters of the lake, known for its rejuvenating properties.

Provisions: Order some seeded croissants from Suffolk Bakery , an antipasto board from Quattro Beachfront Italian in Lennox Head, or a Lavish Lunch Hamper from Harvest NewryBar.

Clarrie Hall Dam, The Tweed

Where: Upstream from Uki

Why: Clarrie Hall Dam is located in mountainous terrain on Doon Doon Creek, a tributary of the Tweed River, and upstream from the charming hinterland village of Uki. The recreational area is one you will want to explore in full: while fishos flock here in the hope they will hook a decent-sized bass to cook on one of the electric barbecues, the park is also a draw for birdwatchers and paddleboarders. The peaceful spot, which boasts beautiful views back over Wollumbin/Mt Warning, has picnic tables and toilets, too.

Provisions: If you want a DIY hamper: pick up some pies from Uki Pies ; fill the thermos with black coffee from Bastion Lane Espresso ; labna from Tweed Valley Whey Farmhouse Cheeses ; and sourdough from Wollumbin Street Bakery . Blue Ginger Picnics on Water has also partnered with Tweed Escapes to pull together a picnic on water where visitors can cruise along the Tweed to get a taste of the NSW North Coast.

A delicious spread of 100% local and seasonal produce.

CENTRAL WEST NSW

Orange, NSW

Where: Secret garden in an orchard

Why: Have you been putting off a marriage proposal? Call Country Food Trails to come to the rescue and tailor a Secret Garden Picnic set in beautiful, exclusive local gardens in Orange, in the NSW’s Central West. A proposal picnic is a particularly lovely notion in the springtime during cherry blossom season.

Provisions: A vintage Moroccan rug, napkins and cutlery, plates, glasses, cushions and catering are all included in a Proposal Picnic curated by Country Food Trails . You can also sway your sweetheart to accept your proposal by booking a bespoke tour with Crooked Compass and arriving to Orange by private plane. Plan B is a Printhie Picnic set amid the vines embroidered onto the earth around Printhie Wines’ estate.

Family-owned Printhie Wines provides the perfect picnic backdrop.

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

The best spots for a picnic around NSW